Lee Bowyer’s second-half goal against his former club secured in-form Birmingham’s fourth league win in a row against 10-man West Ham at St Andrew’s.

The former England international swept home the ball seven minutes after the break for what proved to be the only goal of the game, but opted not to celebrate the goal.

It was no less than Blues deserved, who are now unbeaten in seven games, after they peppered the Hammers goal throughout the game.

Cameron Jerome headed over when well-placed in the first-half, while Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green pulled off a super double save to keep out Roger Johnson’s glancing effort and then Liam Ridgewell’s follow up.

In the end, the visitors virtually handed Birmingham the goal, a mix up between Junior Stanislas and Mark Noble coming forward allowing Blues to counter attack through Christian Benitez, who put Bowyer through to finish.

Sub Kieron Dyer later had the home fans sweating when he hit the post after a run from the halfway line, but the game ended as a contest soon after when Noble was sent off for a second booking.

It was not the sort of impact the midfielder wanted on his 100th appearance for the club, seeing red for a lunge on Benitez.